Two mad-cap co-workers who love history, genealogy, and the occasional walk through a cemetery.

23 December 2010

Obituary--Mrs. John Engles

This obituary is an example of those I find so infuriating. Great details: birth and death dates, marriage and family details. But where is her name? It drives me crazy when a woman's first name is omitted. Anyway, from the 12 March 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS. JOHN ENGLES HEART DISEASE VICTIMDeath Came Suddenly at Her Home Last Thursday Before Medical Aid Could be Secured
The death of Mrs. John Engles occurred very suddenly last Thursday night, at her home in the Donahue district, five miles north of this city. The cause of death was heart failure. The deceased would have been 49 years old the 16th of this month.
Mrs. Engles, though in poor health of late, was not in a serious condition. Last thursday evening she visited her neighbors and retired about 10 o'clock. Feeling ill she got up and sat in a chair, where she expired before medical aid could reach her.
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sherman and was born in Watertown, Clinton county March 16, 1865. She was married to John Engles in Wacausta, Mich., February 18, 1888, and to this union two sons were born, namely, Theron Engles, of Detroit, and Dan Engles, who lives on the Kimbell farm. Mrrs. Engles lived on the farm where she died for the past 17 years.
Besides her husband and two sons she is survived by four brothers as follows: Alonzo Sherman, of Denver, Mich.; John Sherman, of Dayton; and Will and Colonel Sherman, who reside in California, and one sister, Mrs Nan Lewis of Seattle, Wash.
Mrs Engles was a woman of splendid qualities a good wife and mother and a good neibhbor. She was always active in neighborhod social affairs and one who could be depended upon when real service was necessary. She had a wide circle of friends to whom her passing will be a genuine loss.
The funeral services were held at the home Monday at 11 o'clock and were in charge of Rev. J. F. Bowerman of the Methodist church. The body was laid at rest in Maple Grove cemetery.
Those attending the funeral from out-of-town were: Lella Grant, of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Merriman of Big Rapids; and Theron Engles, of Detroit.

See what I mean about the details? It could almost have been written my old favorite--Mrs. Robertson. Although this was on the extreme edge of the range she usually covered, many details are similar to her obituary writing style. If only we knew her name!